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Aurora Public Schools partners with new enterprise so teachers can get regular, free COVID-19 testing

Posted at 12:03 PM, Jul 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-15 14:03:34-04

AURORA, Colo. — The company behind a new social benefit enterprise called COVIDCheck Colorado has partnered with Aurora Public Schools to enable teachers to get free testing for the novel coronavirus every two weeks.

Gary Community Investments announced the program and partnership on Tuesday, saying it will support a safe return to in-person teaching in the fall.

This partnership makes Aurora the first large school district in the state to provide regular and ongoing testing for all teachers, the company said. Through COVIDCheck Colorado, the teachers will have access to free testing every two weeks and will receive timely results to ensure they can continue to teach safely.

Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn said this regular testing will be a powerful tool for Aurora.

“As a district, we have developed school plans that allow us to re-engage in rigorous instruction while also protecting the health and safety of our staff, students and community,” Munn said. “In the spirit of this shared commitment, we are grateful for the partnership with Gary Community Investments to make this aggressive testing program possible.”

Gary Community Investments CEO Mike Johnston said they are honored to support the efforts that Aurora Public Schools has already put forth.

“We stand ready to support others across the state who want to reopen the doors of opportunity that have been closed to the most vulnerable since before this crisis began,” he said.

Those who test positive through COVIDCheck Colorado will receive a phone call from a telehealth provider who will explain next steps. All positive cases will be reported to the local health agency and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, as required by law.

To learn more about COVIDCheck Colorado and its partnerships with local organizations, click here.